There are screening tools on this site to detect symptoms of depression and mania. They can help identify whether you may have one of these illnesses. Take the results of the screening to your doctor and consult with him/her about a possible diagnosis. Mood disorders are illnesses that need treatment like any other illness. Early diagnosis is very important. Most treatment plans include a combination of medication, talk therapy, and support.

Depression and bipolar disorder can affect children and adolescents. Talk to your pediatrician if you believe your child is experiencing any symptoms of depression or bipolar disorder. Your pediatrician may be able to help or may recommend you consult with a professional who is experienced in treating these illnesses in children. Depression and bipolar disorder have symptoms similar to other illnesses (like ADHD and anxiety) so be sure your doctor screens your child for all possible conditions.

Different people are comfortable with sharing different amounts of information. Some people feel that it is unnecessary to inform their employers of their diagnosis. For other people, however, their diagnosis and the need for some sort of treatment accommodation have a significant impact on their job and they feel a need to inform their employer. If you decide to inform your employer, be prepared to do some educating.

First educate yourself on the symptoms of these illnesses. Then pick an appropriate time when you can quietly discuss your concerns with this person. Explain why you believe he or she should be screened for depression or bipolar disorder by comparing their behavior with the symptoms. Encourage them to seek help and resist the urge to function as a therapist. Reassure them that you are having this conversation because you care about them and want to help them feel better.

Manic depressive illness (or bipolar disorder) is a neurological brain disorder that affects 2.3 million Americans today, or approximately one percent of the population. While manic-depressive illness usually begins in adolescence or early adulthood, it can sometimes start in early childhood or as late as age 40 or 50. Individuals diagnosed with manic-depressive illness, or bipolar disorder, have mood swings that alternate from periods of severe highs (mania) to extreme lows (depression).

Bipolar disorder (commonly referred to as manic-depression) is a major affective disorder in which an individual alternates between states of deep depression and extreme euphoria (mania).

People often have common questions about the basics of manic depression. These are some of the most commonly asked questions — and their answers — about manic depression (also known as bipolar disorder):

Family members may want to express their concern by describing the specific behaviors to that person in a nonjudgmental fashion. The person with the disorder is less able to dismiss the observation if there is a consensus among friends or family members that a distinctive pattern has emerged. the work site, violations of safety codes or negligence may need to be reported to supervisors so that the person can receive a medical evaluation before injury or disability occurs.

Lack of a consistent routine and disrupted sleep can trigger a mood episode. Choosing work and leisure activities that allow proper sleep and rest is vital to healthy emotional functioning. Families can support good mental hygiene by going to bed and getting up at the same time each day.

Bipolar Disorder is a neurobiological brain disorder. It was formerly called manic-depression. Until about 10 -15 years ago, most doctors did not believe children could have Bipolar, and this is still an issue of some controversy. However, as more research is done and the information from that research is distributed, more and more doctors are becoming familiar with Pediatric Bipolar Disorder. Pediatric Bipolar is also known as EOBP (Early Onset Bipolar) and COBP (Childhood Onset Bipolar).

Bipolar Disorder is treated through the use of medications and environmental interventions. Medication is the first line of defense. Stress reduction is important, as is learning to recognize and manage symptoms appropriately, and therapy can at times be an asset. Each individual treatment won't work for everyone, so it's a process of trial and error to find what works for each person.

It is more correct to say that there is evidence of a strong family history and genetic relationship to bipolar disorder.

If you want to help your loved one deal with bipolar disorder, then you need this course. The comprehensive course covers everything you have to know, including facts about medications, suggestions for dealing with financial issues, ideas for coping with problems that occur during episodes, and much more. Click here for more information.